Have you ever walked on ancient lava? Meola Reef Reserve in Auckland offers just that. Right here before you lies a two-kilometre-long reef peninsula. This isn’t just any rock formation. It’s the solidified remains of a massive lava flow. This flow originated from Mount Saint John volcano over 28000 years ago. For decades it was wrongly attributed to Te Tatua-a-Riukiuta volcano. Geochemical analysis in 2008 finally revealed the truth.
Meola Reef Reserve also known as Te Tokaroa in Maori meaning The Long Rock is a place steeped in history. It’s not just a geological wonder but also holds deep cultural significance for the Maori people. It bore two traditional names Te Tokaroa and Te Ara Whakapekapeka a Ruarangi The Perplexing Pathway of Ruarangi. The reserve once served as a rubbish dump. Thankfully this has been capped. Today it’s a 15-hectare public reserve. Mangrove swamps and tidal salt marshes thrive there.
Imagine Spirobranchus fanworms once inhabited this very reef. Pacific oysters unfortunately displaced them in the 1960s. Meola Reef’s past even involved ambitious plans for a second harbour crossing. Public outcry thankfully stopped that plan in the 1970s. Today Meola Reef Reserve is a popular spot. It’s a fully fenced off-leash dog park. It’s a testament to community effort. In the 1990s local residents began planting native trees. The reserve is now a thriving ecosystem and a haven for both people and nature.
The hexagonal basalt columns are a sight to behold. They’re called columnar joints. They form when thick lava flows cool. Meola Reef offers a unique opportunity to witness this geological phenomenon. It’s a smaller version of the famous Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. You can see the sunken boat listing in the low tide flat. Across the harbour the Chelsea Sugar Factory’s distinctive pink buildings are visible.
Meola Reef Reserve is more than just a park. It’s a living history book. It tells tales of volcanic eruptions Maori legends and urban transformation. It’s a place where ancient history meets modern recreation. So take a moment to appreciate the beauty and significance of this unique Auckland landmark. Enjoy your walk along this fascinating piece of Auckland’s past.